This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Winneberger, Lycos Graduate K9 Course

Galloway Township officer pleased to have partner again

Officer Scott W. Winneberger doesn't have to be lonely anymore while protecting and serving Galloway Township.

The 32-year-old K9 police officer graduated the 16-week K9 Course at the John "Sonny" Burke Canine Training Facility along with his new partner Lycos.

"Lonely," said Winneberger about what his work life has been like the past year since his first partner Blaze lost his life last June. "Working the six months I had to without a dog, it's a lot more quiet than I was used to. I didn't have that partner that's always next to you, it's something you get accustomed to. He has my back no matter what."

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Winneberg was one of 15 graduates in the K9 Patrol Class #38 Graduation held at the Alton Auditorium on the campus of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey on Friday morning.

The pairing of Winneberger and Lycos was made possible by Galloway resident Barbara Dapera, who donated the money to purchase Lycos and a ballistic vest for the dog. The total cost is roughly $9,000.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the ceremony the graduates had a chance to thank their loved ones as well as members of their departments and community that helped them during their training.

After presenting his wife, Teri, with roses, Winneberger presented framed certificates to Chief Patrick Moran, Sargeant Frank Weir, Corporal Mark D'Esposito and Officer Hiram Melendez.

The eight-year veteran saved the last presentation for Dapera.

"Barbara stepped forward and gave us the money to purchase a new dog with her genoristy," an appreciative Winneberger said. "She also gave us enough money to purchase a ballistic vest for him, too. It's incredible to have  a community member come through (for us)."

Winneberger and the graduates were singled out for their hard work and dedication during their training, which began in January, and also the kind of men they are.

"Integrity to us is being people of honor, people who are trustworthy, a person with integrity is open and honest and true to their word," Atlantic County Police Academy Director of Training George Nettles said. "They don't have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. They are the same in private as they are in public. They do what is right if anybody is watching or not."

"A lot of hard work paid off," Winneberger said. "It's a lot of turmoil you go through in the beginning and you see how the dog progresses from the beginning, like a child growing up before your eyes as he learns all the new things and all the things he has to do."

Winneberger is excited to see what his new partner can do out on the streets.

"I want to see how he can produce, how many criminal he can catch," he said. " I look forward to protecting the community and protecting the fellow officers."

And to have a partner again.

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.